The USMNT is in the driver's seat after a 5-1 demolition of a lively but disjointed Panama squad. Los Canaleros were strong for the first ten minutes, but a blatant foul in the box put Pulisic on the spot and he did not miss. An Arriola header was followed by an emphatic finish by Ferreira when the ball broke to him three yards out another Pulisic spot kick. And that was just the first half. In the second, Pulisic got his hat trick with the prettiest goal of the night, then Panama got the consolation via a header off a free kick. Highlights.
The US has sewn up at least the fourth spot, and they'll finish at least 3rd with a win or tie against Costa Rica, or even a loss that is by fewer than six goals. In that unlikely event, we'd still be able to book our ticket to Qatar by winning a two-game round against Oceania (New Zealand). So, we're almost 100% in.
Canada shocked everyone by winning the group. Their coach, John Herdman, was very successful with the New Zealand and Canada women's teams, and now he's killing with the Canada men. The next stop for this guy is a professional club gig for big bucks. He's too good to be coaching just on international breaks.
Costa Rica always seems to cause the US problems, but with a six goal cushion, that should not be an issue
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